'Our speed camera is no longer a deterrent'
A Devon village says their broken speed camera is serving no purpose
Last updated 28th Sep 2022
Three years after it was damaged by a passing lorry, there's calls to reinstate a Devon speed camera near to Powderham Castle.
Kenton councillor Alan Connett has submitted a motion to Devon County Council calling for the camera on the A379 to be fixed.
A meeting was due to be held earlier this month, where the item was on the agenda, but it was pushed back because of the passing of Her Majesty and funeral.
A revised date is still to be set for the motion to be discussed, with Devon County Council - who say they will respond to the motion calls.
Councillor Connett said: "The camera, in the village of Kenton, near Exeter, was 'bashed' by a vehicle in 2019 and remains out of action.
"With patience thinning, I've submitted a formal question to Devon County Council
"The new camera, as it was then, was very much welcomed by the community when it was installed shortly after the Powderham Farm Shop opened.
"However, it's been out of action for around three years now and it is clearly serving no useful purpose.
"Anyone can see that because the camera housing is 'off beam' there can't possibly be a camera in use."
"This is effectively a starter's flag to any driver or motorcyclist tempted to speed off from the traffic lights towards the village centre."
The councillor, who serves the Exminster & Haldon division on Devon County Council, says he has been chasing progress on the speed camera repair for the past few years, adding: "Even allowing for the limitations during Lockdown, Kenton residents deserve to know what the plan is for the speed camera and, better still, to see the camera housing sorted so it at least looks like there could be a camera inside."